Description
A rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a Parmesan-infused broth. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal, blending savory flavors with a smooth, velvety texture for an irresistible homemade comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (plus extra as needed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Thickening and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch
Dairy
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the raw chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pot and let cool. Once cool, shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil or butter to the pot if needed. Add chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed ingredients. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the shredded or diced chicken to the pot. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir fresh spinach into the soup, gently mixing until it wilts.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the warm and creamy comfort of this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Shredding the chicken finely ensures even distribution in the soup.
- For a thicker soup, use a little more flour or reduce the broth slightly.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a mild heat for depth.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or other greens, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and tang; oil-packed ones provide extra flavor.
